West End screening: Panter Hudspith breathe new life into London’s Trocadero

Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Thank you for signing up to Wallpaper. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
London architects Panter Hudspith have transformed the Trocadero centre in Piccadilly into the flagship venue of the Picturehouse Cinemas chain.
The late 19th-century Grade II listed building had a glorious past as Scott's restaurant and the Lyons Corner House, but had been much abused in recent times. In the 1980s it became home to a rather tired entertainments complex.
This is not the first such conversion that the London-based firm, Panter Hudspith, have tackled. The architects have turned a string of difficult or neglected buildings into Picturehouses across greater London and the UK. They have worked the same magic at this latest site, collaborating this time with famed restaurant designer Martin Brudnizki, who coincidentally designed the current Scott's.
Architecturally, the real crowd-pleaser at Picturehouse Central is the vast oak-clad, red-tiled staircase leading from the double-height foyer on the ground to the first floor. The Cineworld chain operated from the Trocadero until last year, so Panter Hudspith has upgraded the existing auditoria with larger screens, better sound systems and steeper tiering for the new reclining seats. Brudnizki has decked out the café and restaurant areas with mid-century modern style tables, chairs, sofas and banquettes, some of which was designed by his studio.
Picturehouse Cinemas, whose programme includes foreign language and independent films and documentaries, prides itself on its art house status. It appeals to the tertiary-educated middle classes, and its sophisticated muted colour palette reflects that.
Meanwhile original friezes by Arts and Crafts artist Gerald Moira have been relit and are on view as visitors ascend the escalator up to the members' bar on the top three floors, which opens later this summer
Designed by architects Panter Hudspith, with interiors by Martin Brudnizki, the Trocadero Picturehouse opens today
The new complex's ground floor cafe features mural depicting the history of cinema by artists Patrick Vale and Paul Davis
A vast oak-clad, red-tiled staircase leads from the double-height foyer on the ground level, up to the first floor
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Rose Tarlow and Perennials present a second collaborative collection of fabrics and rugs
Perennials by Rose Tarlow features eight textiles and four rug designs that nod to the English countryside with a quiet colour palette and subtle, abstract geometries
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
50 years of Agape: exploring five decades of innovative bathroom design
Italian bathroom brand Agape turns 50, and founders Emanuele and Giampaolo Benedini celebrate with an exhibition looking back at their personal and professional journey
By Cristina Kiran Piotti Published
-
Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2009: the story behind the wine
Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2009 is the harmonious result of fruitful endeavours by the French champagne house and its cellar master Vincent Chaperon
By Simon Mills Published
-
A courtyard pavilion at The OWO provides the perfect outdoor centrepiece
A courtyard pavilion housing Café Lapérouse at The OWO is an architectural feat by DaeWha Kang Design
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The UK’s first vertical distillery launches in Edinburgh for Port of Leith whisky
A rare example of an urban, vertical distillery has been revealed in Edinburgh for Port of Leith whisky
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
This Edinburgh house extension is rooted in the past and looks to the future
A carefully conceived Edinburgh house extension transforms a mews garage into a secluded modern home, while also enhancing one of Scotland’s most picturesque streets
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘London of the Future’ provides an optimistic window into the city of 2123
The London Society’s new monograph, ‘London of the Future’, attempts to define the role of architecture, design and planning in a far-future capital
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Architect Tsuyoshi Tane on the ‘archaeology of the future’
A new show by architect Tsuyoshi Tane launches today at the TOTO concept gallery in London, exploring the ‘archaeology of the future’
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
UCL East Marshgate seeks to redefine the university campus of the future
UCL East Marshgate by Stanton Williams is completed and gears up to welcome its students in east London
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
London architecture exhibitions 2023: a guide to the best shows this month
Exciting, beautiful and thought-provoking London architecture exhibitions; here's our pick of the finest in town, to visit and enjoy this month
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Studio Mackereth’s 30 Mount Row is a Mayfair gallery with a twist
Studio Mackereth brings a contemporary spin to Mayfair with 30 Mount Row, wrapping a gallery and apartment complex in textured bricks and geometric angles
By Ellie Stathaki Published